The Best-o Pestos: 5 Recipes to Make You Fall in Love with Pesto

Monday, February 8, 2016

We love pestos for 2 very good reasons: (1) The can instantly transform a boring meal into an adventure and (2) They’re so easy to make! Over the years, we’ve had a lot of great pesto recipes come through from our chefs. Here are our top 4 pesto (and 1 pistou) that are sure to make you fall in love.

Try making them in bulk and freezing them in ice cube trays so they are ready on demand! Simply blend the ingredients below in a food processor or blender with 2-3 T olive oil and voila!

#1 Chili Pesto

If you love a little kick, you’ll love this chili pesto from Chef Jaye Moore!

What You’ll Need:

1 jalapeno

1/4 c almonds

1/4 c Parmesan

1/2 t lemon pepper

1/2 t garlic

1/8 t ancho chili powder

1 t chili powder

1 lime, juiced

2 T cilantro

#2 Pecan Pesto

The arugula in this pesto gives it a delightful peppery flavor that jazzes up just about any dish.

What You’ll Need:

3/4 c kale

3 T Parmesan

2 T pecans

1 lemon, juice

1 clove garlic

#3 Green Pistou

Think of pistou as pestos nut-free cousin. Tastes great on a brisket wrap!

What You’ll Need:

1 clove garlic

1 1/2 c greens (like Swiss chard or spinach)

1 t sugar

#4 Walnut Pesto

This recipe is a favorite from Chef Nick Melvin.

What You’ll Need:

2 T walnuts

1/4 c Parmesan

1 clove garlic

1 lemon, juiced

1/4 c herbs (like parsley or basil)

#5 Kale Pesto

This recipe comes from Chef Zeb Stevenson’s Be The Chef Recipe in 2014 and is still a favorite

What You’ll Need:

1/4 c kale

2 T pecans, toasted

1/4 c Parmesan

1 lemon, juiced

1 clove garlic